The Prudential Foundation again has provided the funding to sponsor The Newark Public Library's annual "Summer
Reading Challenge," the premier reading and literacy program for Newark's school children in grades pre-K through 8.
This year's theme is Connect@Library.Read!

The festive program kicks off at 10:00am on Wednesday, June 28, with a fun-filled rally in Washington Park. It will feature a
special gift, refreshments, and entertainment.

The "Prudential Foundation Summer Reading Challenge" encourages children to include the adventure of reading in their
summer activities. It rewards their efforts with popular fun events and a step system of prizes. During the last several
summers, 9,000 Newark children have participated in the program and have read more than 70,000 books.

Children interested in signing up for the "Challenge," which runs from June 26 to August 19, may do so in the
Children's Room of the main library or any of the branch libraries. Each child will receive a Connect theme poster,
bookmark, and reading log. All participants who read and report on at least five books will receive prizes and achievement
certificates. At the September 9 Awards Ceremony (10am/Centennial Hall, main library), the top winners will receive personal
audio equipment. Special prizes also will be awarded to the winners in each of the three divisions--pre-K through K,
grades 1 through 3, and grades 4 through 8--who do the best job of coloring their Connect posters.

"In addition to the Prudential Foundation Summer Reading Challenge," notes Michele Cappetta, youth services coordinator,
"the library's other Summer Fun programs include daily activities--such as movies, arts and crafts,
games--in each of the library's Children's Rooms. Activities and times vary with each location." For more
information about all of the Summer Fun programs, visit or call any of the Children's Rooms: